WIS "A" Levels

WHAT IS ‘A’ LEVEL?

‘A’ Level is a two-year programme after Std. X. offered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations. ‘A’ Level is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world. It is accepted as proof of academic ability for entry into universities, institutes of higher education and military schools, and is equally important for young people moving into employment. These exams are highly specialized and comprise of only three subjects along with English.

HOW WILL IT HELP?

Studying for ‘A’ Level is academically challenging but offers excellent preparation for next stage in your education – for study at university or college.

Students planning to study abroad have a very good opportunity as they can complete ‘A’ Level of the University of Cambridge International Examination at WIS. This cuts down not only the cost of study but also the cost of traveling abroad as well as of accommodation.

‘A’ Level qualifications are taken in over 160 different countries and are recognized by universities, education providers and employers across the globe.

WHICH UNIVERSITIES CAN ONE APPLY TO?

The list is endless. Every university of repute worldwide (including premier Indian universities) recognizes the ‘A’ Level qualifications.

HOW IS THE ‘A’ LEVEL A SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE TO THE HSC EXAMS?                

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DOING THE ‘A’ LEVEL?

‘A’ Level qualification helps the students develop:

• An investigative approach
• Application of skills, knowledge and understanding
• Ability to undertake individual projects and to work as part of a team
• ‘A’ level is a ‘world standard’ qualification. It offers flexibility of going abroad or studying in India

WHAT ARE THE SUBJECTS OFFERED AT WIS?

Science Stream

• English Language (AS)
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology/ Mathematics

Commerce Stream

• English Language (AS)
• Business Studies
• Accounting
• Mathematics/ Economics/ ICT

DOES MUMBAI OR ANY OTHER INDIAN UNIVERSITY ACCEPT ‘A’ LEVEL?

Appearing for 3 subjects at ‘Advanced’ Level along with English at AS level makes you eligible for admission to the First Year of the three years B.A., B.Sc., B.Com and B.E. degree courses in any Indian University. The latest Indian recognition details can be viewed at www.cie.org.uk/docs/recognition/india_recognition_samples.pdf

CAN A STUDENT APPEAR FOR THE PRE-MEDICAL TEST (PMT), IIT-JEE OR CET AFTER PASSING THE ‘A’ LEVEL EXAMS?

Yes. The ‘A’ Level examination is equivalent to the Std. XII examination and is one of the eligibility criteria to appear for any Indian competitive examinations. Moreover, A level curriculum is more practical and application based. It enhances student's knowledge, reasoning power and problem solving abilities which is required to clear all professional entrance exams

DOES TAKING ONLY THREE SUBJECTS BENEFIT THE STUDENTS?

Definitely. It provides a focused approach. More concentration and a detailed study of the relevant subjects leads to better grades for the chosen career and eventually better chance of admission in specialized colleges.

DOES THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZE THIS PROGRAM?

Yes. It has been decided that Indian students will not require any permission/ no objection from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Secondary & Higher Education for appearing for ‘A’ Level examinations mentioned.

WHY SHOULD PARENTS CHOOSE THE ‘A’ LEVEL IN COMPARISON WITH MUMBAI BOARD?

• ‘A’ Level is an international qualification
• Total focus on the subjects they really want to pursue
• The student can gain direct admission to any foreign university
• More hands-on details of the subjects being studied
• Exposure to a range of subjects, since it has international syllabus
• International standard of education
• Flexibility option
• Option of specializing later in required subject is possible

WHEN ARE THE ‘A’ LEVEL EXAMINATIONS HELD?

The ‘A’ Level examinations are held in two sessions:

• The AS-Level exam (Grade XI) is held in May/ June and
• The A2-Level exam (Grade XII) is held in the consecutive Oct. / Nov. session

Where I can find the list of schools in India that offer IGCSE and A levels?

Kindly browse www.cie.org.uk/countries/india for list of schools providing IGCSE and A level curriculum in India.

What options are available after completing the A Levels?

A level prepares the students for university education like graduation. It also qualifies the student to appear for entrance exams for any professional course of his choice.

Professional Courses

Applicants to professional degrees need to be 17 years of age on 31st December of the year of entrance examination/admission. For entry to professional courses students must sit the Common Entrance Tests (CET) for the appropriate course. Admission to Indian Universities and Colleges is based on a merit list, usually compiled by the aggregation of the marks from the Year 12 examinations and the mark from the Common Entrance Tests (CET). CETs are held at both national and state level depending on the course applied for (apart from Tamil Nadu which does not have CETs).

Engineering: To be eligible to sit for the CET students will need 5 IGCSE subjects plus passes in A Level in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with a minimum of 50%. English at AS or A Level is also required.

Medicine and Dental Science: To be eligible to sit for the CET students will need 5 IGCSE plus passes in A Level in Physics, Chemistry and Biology with a minimum of 50%. English at AS or A Level is also required. The Medical Council of India, following guidance from CBSE, has accepted AS English taken in Year 12 as equivalent to the Indian Year 12 examination.

Architecture: To be eligible to sit for the CET students will need 5 IGCSE plus passes in two A Levels including Mathematics with a minimum of 50%. 

Non-Professional Courses

Minimum entry requirements for liberal studies (sciences, commerce, arts) are 5 IGCSE plus passes in two A Levels.
Science: Minimum entry requirements are 5 IGCSE plus passes in two or three A Levels which must include the following plus English at AS or A Level:
Mathematics Group – Pass in A Level in Physics and Mathematics
Biology Group - Pass in A Level in Chemistry and Biology
Computer Sciences - Pass in A Level in Physics and Mathematics /ICT
Pharmacy: Minimum entry requirements are 5 IGCSE plus passes in two A Levels including Chemistry and Mathematics and AS Level in Physics or Biology.
Commerce: Minimum entry requirements are 5 IGCSE including Mathematics plus passes in two A Levels of which one must be in a relevant subject.
Arts: Minimum entry requirements are 5 IGCSE plus passes in two A Levels in any subjects (with the exception of Economics which requires a pass in A Level Mathematics).

What is the assessment pattern  available in AS and A level?

Each subject that a Cambridge international student takes at AS and A Level receives a separately certificated grade. From 2010, the Cambridge International A Level will be reported on a grade scale from A* grade, awarded for the highest level of achievement, to E, indicating the minimum required performance. There is no A* grading in the certification of Cambridge International AS Levels, which will continue to run from Grade A to Grade E. There is no core paper in AS and A level.

What is the address of CIE?

University of Cambridge International Examinations, 1, Hills Road, Cambridge, CBI 2EU, United Kingdom.

What is the website of CIE?

www.cie.org.uk